Inlägg 6Lars Flå (Norway) skrev:den 3 juli 2009 kl. 13:21
Translated by Marianne. Not really new, but I suppose its ok to get stuff collected in one thread. If you don't think this post is apropriate for this thread, Irena, send me a message and I will remove it.

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Meet the landlady and flatmate of Mgp-winner Alexander Rybak

In the living room of Karin Madsen, Ljan, is the piano, where Alexander Rybak worked on his song Fairytale. Megan Sørlie (20) have followed the process from the first tone.

LJAN: Not everyone knows that Alexander Rybak has rented rooms at Karin Madsen, Birgitte Hammersvei, for several years. Here he lives as a son in the house along with the other flatmate Megan Sørlie.

Megan and Alexander use the kitchen, bathroom, living room and the rest of the house as if they were raised here. Karin makes demands on the tenants. All must keep tidy, wash, organize and contribute to the community. In return, follows much cosines.
In this house everyone is talking about everything. And Alexander Rybaks music has absolutely made its mark on their lives.

Loves the piano
- I remember when he came here first and saw my piano. He needed a quiet place to live, closer to the Barratt Due institute, than Nesodden. He has often lessons in the evenings and is unable to catch the last ferry, says Karin.

He immediately saw my piano, and asked me, if he was allowed to play on it. This is a Carl Mand-piano, a beautiful instrument I inherited from my grandmother. Alexander loves the sound of it. Here he has played there hour after hour. We have heard many songs, taking form, here. Fairytale, we have followed and discussed with him since the first time he had the idea, says Karin.

The world's nicest.......
Megan moved in later than Alexander. She is not particularly concerned with the music. She studies to be a doctor. And feels she has much in common with her flatmate.

- We are both very dedicated within our fields. Sometimes he asks me to come and hear something new, he has made. And I say, I do not have time because I must read. But I have great pleasure to listen to him play, and to discuss his ideas even though I'm not an expert. He is an incredibly grounded guy, "says Megan.

She believes Alexander Rybak is exactly as you see him on TV. Honest and straight forward. She thinks it is strange that the girls all over the world is now so concerned about her flatmate. At the same time she is not surprised by the amount of letters that dumps into the door, or the enthusiasm he rises, wherever he comes.

- He is very special. That I see, even though we live here as siblings, "says the girl who is studying right down to street on Sjømannsskolen.

- Here in the house we are living a simple and sober life. It fits both me and the tenants well, "says Karin. Sure, Alexander has now been given disposal of an extra room for all the new clothes he has received in connection with the styling and the shows. But the clothes, has not been used, if we are to believe Megan.
- I've probably seen him use two of the jackets. Otherwise it is all in stacks with the price tags on. He is the same as before this took completely off. I texted with him late yesterday. And I look forward to see him again, says the girl.
When she and Karin watched the Grand Prix together they had plans to celebrate with a bottle of champagne, contrary to Alexanders sober line. But they forgot the sparkling drops for the excitement of winning.

Forgot the violin.......
Megan and Karin are by the front window with views over the fjord, right by the piano. Here they spent countless hours, talking with Alexander.

- He might be slightly absent-minded, says Karin. She recalls the time a few months ago, when he came home without the violin. He had forgotten it and left it on the train. He hurried back to Ljan station, where he was indeed presented his beloved instrument again.

- People are so fond of him, says Karin. She admits that she has talked a lot with Alexander Rybak about the time that is now coming.

- I can be a part of life's many pages, also about economics. I am financially, so to speak, and he is not he, though he is very sensible. I know he listens to what I have to say, "says Karin.

Not tired of song....
Although Karin and Megan has heard Fairytale in many versions, and listened when Alexander Rybak worked up variations, and rendering techniques, none of them are tired of the winning song. They think it is great. And they believe we have much more to expect from his hand. They know his versatility.

- When Alexander had finished the exam, he chose to celebrate, by giving me a concert as a gift. I could invite who I wanted. I invited my sowing club, and of course Megan here, and some other friends and family. Alexander held a great concert, and he was even toastmaster. Everyone thought it was a great experience and was impressed, "says Karin Madsen. In gratitude, Alexander had a wonderful large towel with his name engraved.

- We are practical, you understand, she smiles.

Much grain.....
She reveals that Alexander eats very healthy. She knows, from sharing the kitchen and meals. And all must help to keep it neatly around them.

- Megan has taught Alexander to clean the bathroom.
I am careful about who I rent to. Not everyone fits in here. These two who live here now thrive together, and they thrive with me, Karin points out.

Megan Sørlie confirms that they enjoy living together. The two see movies and play Playstation and X-box and everything else he has in the Room.

- He is very social. Typically, he calls me when he comes home from the train in the evening and will share a new song or something he has thought of. He has always much to tell, especially lately, "says Karin.

Megan adds: - He can play the violin in the living room for eight hours. We all like to listen, it's super nice. I'm glad, he does not play the drums!

Feet on the ground.......
- It's almost frightening to see how great this grounded boy I know from quiet weekdays, has become. At the same time, I'm impressed with how he is able to keep himself. I think anyone would have been changed. But not him. I have talked with him on the phone after the victory, and he is the same, "says Megan.

Alexander Rybak moved out for a short period, living together with a buddy in the centre of Oslo. But it did not work completely. Suddenly, he called, a night after bedtime. He stood on Ljan station and wondered whether it was possible to get the room back. Then it was only minutes before he was again in his regular bed, "says Karin.

She can not praise her tenant enough. He is as good as Megan to do their duties and participate in everyday life, he adheres to all rules, and helps in all.

- Him, can we safely send to the world, laughs the two ladies.



Published Wednesday 20. May 2009 kl. 13:00.